Often times when remodeling our homes, we often forget just how important somwething like good lighting can really give our homes and condos a facelift, and can change the mood, feeling, and look of any design space. This article expl;ores some interesting light designs perfect for any home, apartment or condo.

1. Back Lighting

Back lighting has been growing rapidly as a popular trend in interior design and light design. The key factor in back lighting is that it is so simple to accomplish. All you really need is some clear tape and some rope lights from any big box retailer that would sell home goods and decorations. You'd be amazed at the dimension and space that can be gained from some simple backlighting, The most commong uses are behind the headboard, or behind paintings or other wall hanging fixtures.

Example of a backlit headboard

Some backlighting used behind the rail and along side a stair case

2. Sconces

One design element which many people over look is something you would expect to see in an older home. However, wall sconces have made a serious come back in the design world in recent years, and they can add that extra dazzle that will take your room to the next level. There are two options in sconces- the most commong being electric (pictures below):

You can get sconces at any home imrpvoiement store.

Another, and equally stylish optiion is to use candle holder type sconces. The fantastic advantage of these is that you aren't forced to use any additional power for them. Their only real drawback is that they do pose more of a fire hazard than a regular bulb due to the open flame. However, as long as you use common fire safety practices, such as extinguishing the candles before bed, or never leaving them unattended (as in while your leave the rwesidence) then they are a great option and one that comes in a variety of colors and styles.

3. String Lights

String lights are taking over websites like Pinterest, and we can see why. The beauty of this lighting technique is its simplicity. You can buy a strand of these lights basically anywhere, and for cheap. Another great thing about string lighting is that it offers an incredibly wide variety of designs and diy projects to create so many different looks. Here are some of our favorite string lighting ideas:

This design is accomplished with a little hot glue and some synthetic flowers which can be pruchased at places like Joanne's Fabric, or Michaels. The process is simple- using a hot glue gun, glue the pedals of the flower around the bulb- and thats it. You can either arrange awesome stationary flower arrangements , or hang the lights and have the lit roses act as the bulbs.

These DIY lampshades are almost criminally simple to make. All you need is a balloon (or inflatible ball), some thick cotton string, and some elmer's glue. This is a fun project for you and your kids!

Step 1: Blow up the balloon to the desired lamp shade size

Step 2: Coat the string in elmers glue, making sure it is soaked

Step 3: Wrap the string around the balloon

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have the desired look for your lamp shade

Step 4: allow to dry over night

Step 5: Pop and remove the balloon. You can use a spray adhesive for added strength.

Step 6: Insert light into shade. Use thin wire or glue to attach

The finished product if you use colored string for making your light shade

4. Bedside Hanging Lights

Many people tend to go for bedside lamps, which are great, but they do take up space. Another option to consider is installing hanging lights on either side of your bed. You can change it up by changing the light shades (which is cheaper than having to buy an entirely new set of lamps). Since they hang fromt he ceiling, you gain some extra counter space by the bed side... and they also add some extra oomph to your bedroom design.

5. Recessed Floor Lighting

Althought a somewhat more expensive option, adding lighting to your floor really adds an extra dimension to your space. Beyond just being eye catching, this type of lighting is helpful for seeing better at night, and avoiding obstacles which may have otherwise gone undetected. They are beautiful and the light wash added to the walls makes any space, room, or hallway seem much larger than it is.

6. Multi Colored Lighting for Bookshelves

Go to any trendy bar in LA and you will see this design element used. This hip, fun, exciting lighting design is great for use on bookshelves, in closets, or for the adventurer- on liquore shelves.

One variation of this idea is to use a single color light to illuminate book shelves or other shelving. If these multi colored lights are a little too much, then using a simngle, warm light will make your shelves look sleek and refined.

So...

when it comes to your interior design, don't forget how important lighting choice can be! You don't have to break the bank in order to establish an incredibly styligh interior design scheme, and these added elements can really transform your room from drab to fab.